Correlation between Thermodynamic Studies and Experimental Process for Roasting Cobalt-Bearing Pyrite

Abstract

Cobalt is a critical metal widely distributed in nature, but cobalt ore has hardly been found as an independent mineral. Cobalt-bearing pyrite tailings separated from iron ore is one of the resources for recovering cobalt. In the following study, roasting is carried out to oxidize cobalt-bearing pyrite tailings for preparing and recovering the cobalt by acid leaching. The further aim of the research is to determine and control the optimal technological regime for roasting by using thermodynamic modeling. The phase transition in Fe–S–O and Co–S–O systems and its mechanism are analyzed under the partial pressure of oxygen and sulfur dioxide at constant temperatures. Thermodynamic modeling proves that iron and cobalt sulfides can be intensively oxidized at a relatively high temperature (>900 °C) under an atmosphere of logp(O2) > −5, leading to the formation of SO2 (logp(SO2) < 0). The results of the roasting experiment indicate 98% desulfurization degree upon holding for about 4–5 h and at > 1000 °C. Based on these thermodynamic modeling and experimental results, the roasting of cobalt containing pyrite can be optimized with substantial productivity with regard to the metal oxide and cobalt thereof. Oxidative roasting also allows the elimination of environmentally hazardous gases such as sulfur during the process.